New Japan’s IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi (41), will face the challenger, Minoru Suzuki (49), on the 27th in Sapporo. Suzuki has recently lost his NEVER title (along with his hair) to Hirooki Goto in the Tokyo Dome. Tanahashi reflects on his current place in the company, which he considers ‘on the edge’.

Tanahashi was attacked by Suzuki on the 5th at Korakuen Hall, leading to this match, his 5th defense of the Intercontinental title, in Sapporo.

Tanahashi finds himself squeezed out of the main event picture, placed 3rd from last on the card. He commented, “It’s on me that I couldn’t change the order of the card.” He also reveals his frustration toward the fact that Chris Jericho chose Naito as his next target; “Jericho knows that he gets better placement by choosing Naito as his next target, as Naito is on fire right now.”

Moreover, Tanahashi hasn’t fulfilled his promise upon winning the title, that he would name its challengers. He adds, “Naito once said that ‘What Tanahashi says, he gets’, but I have been losing any power I had. The IC is my lifeline. I have risk much more than hair.”

Are they legitimate interviews, where Tana would be pushing his particular storylines, ike the press conferences after shows? Or are they made up quotations like PWI used to do, furthering storylines on their own without the input of the companies. I’m really fascinated by the way the Japanese media treats and reports on pro wrestling. Might make for a good article. 😉

I think wrestlers use it as an outside source to push things forward, maybe even their true own agenda. BUSHI used it recently to try to get himself in the 4way match at the dome. But they are always working the story.